Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Knit Picks Harmony Straight Needles

I was lucky to be asked, if I wanted to give the new Knit Picks Harmony straight needles a try. Of course I did! Those needles are not just beautiful, but good to work with too. They make me happy just looking at them. Needles can be boring, or they can be fun like these colorful ones. I do realize it's just tools, but the better the tools, the better the work will be.

I was surprised how sharp the tips are, but not painfully so. I do have a pair of rosewood needles, but I always felt, yarn never glides well on them, especially with cotton. So I tested these Harmony needles with mercerized cotton, and they work fine. The yarn slips quite easily along.

Even my son was impressed on how they looked. He's so used to seeing all kinds of knitting material all over the place, that it must stand out for him to remark on any of it.

Now, don't feel left out. Angela, of Knit Picks, also asked me, if I would like to get some needles for giveaway. I was in a good and generous mood, so I said, yes, of course! That's why three lucky people are now getting a new pair of Knit Picks Harmony straight needles from me. All you have to do is leave a comment, letting me know which size you would prefer, if you are a winner. I have two pairs of US 6 (4mm) and one pair of US 8 (5mm) to give away. To be considered, you can leave a comment until Monday moring, when I'll announce the winners some time on Monday, September 22nd.

Now, I'd like to thank you all for your lovely comments on my Three Sisters Scarves. And also thanks for all your tips, and empathy for Sam, it's greatly appreciated.

I'm going to respond here, not individually this time. Some of you might already know those things about Sam. He's had knee surgery three times, surgery on both his elbows, he was neutered, which usually is no big deal, but with him it was. One of his testicles did not drop, so they had to cut him open and look for it, so he would not get cancer later on. Once he almost severed one of his toes, while playing, which resulted in a deformed nail (after surgery). He was born with weird front legs, they were never straight, but he always stood like a ballet dancer. It was clear from the beginning, that his front legs would give him trouble down the road, which is now, I guess.

As a puppy he fell into the pool twice, and now is deathly afraid of water. He wont even step into a puddle after the rain, if he can help it. The only way he likes water is to drink from a bowl, or when it's really, really hot, he bites the water coming out of the hose. So swimming is out of the question for him. We tried to get him into the pool, but it's just cruel, the way he acts when in it. So therapy with water is not likely going to happen.

And he's about 96lbs, he's a big dog. You just can't lug him around under your arms, like a toy dog. If he can't get in and out of the house on his own, we are in big trouble. If the problems where in his hind legs, we could see about some kind of wheels for him, but it's the front leg(s) right now.

I don't think surgery, like Biko had on her back, would help his elbows, if at all possible. I'm thinking we just have to find the right pain killer, to make him comfortable, paired with glucosamine supplements, green lipped mussel extract and what else I can find. In any case, the medication he's getting now, is not doing much for him.

Tomorrow he'll get his 4th injection for his joints, and we'll see how his anal gland is doing. He doesn't seem to be bothered much by it right now, which is good.

O.K. enough of that. I wish you all good luck! I'm going to finish my mosaic swatch now.

Me, me, me. I missed out on the test run on those needles. They were all given away already. Of course, who wouldn't want to own a pair of these beauties. Even as a test knitter for KP I'd have to buy them for myself.

Poor Sam! I didn't realize he's been through so much. I hope you find the right combination of medications quickly to help ease his pain.

Jewel isn't all that crazy over water. She'll swim, but it takes me awhile to get her in far enough to swim. She doesn't like it when she can't feel the earth under her feet, I guess. Once she gets going she's okay, but she won't stay in too long. Next summer we're trying to get into a different campground that has a lake. I'm hoping to get her into swimming more.

Oh that poor dog! He sounds like a trooper, though, with all he has going on.I, too, absolutely love the look of those needles, and wondered about the smoothness. I have a really really old pair of brittany birch that are sort of...sticky. Those sure are purdy, and if I had a choice for myself, It would be the size 6's!

Also, thanks for the update on Sam - and bless you for taking such good care of him. I have a big, older dog (110 lbs and eight years old) that I'm anticipating arthritis trouble with. We already are giving him glucosamine supplements, trying to head off what I fear is inevitable. I'll keep Sam in my thoughts!

I've been oogling the Harmony needles since they came out, they are just so pretty. And while I admit I don't often use straights they would be perfect for some projects. I think I'd get the most use out of the US8...thanks for the chance to win!

Oh, me! I want to play! I would honestly really love either size, as I knit with 6s, 7s, and 8s more than anything and can always use another pair :) I have the Harmony interchangables, but I am looking forward to trying the straights some time soon.

Good luck with Sam. I've been reading and lurking for a while, and I really feel for you guys with that.

I found your blog a little while ago and was totally smitten by your spinning. It had made me want to spin everything in my stash! I'd love to try a pair of those Harmony needles! I've been drooling over them since they were released. I love the harmony options I have...

Please throw my name in the hat for the size 8 or 6 needles. OH POOR SAM! It hurts me to know that an animal is in pain. I know you are trying to keep him comfortable. If I hear of any good treatments, I will be sure and drop you a note. HUGS AND PATS FOR SAM!

Hi Monika - oh please please I would love to t the Harmony needles. I am partial to the 5.0 mm, but would take either. by the way - I need to remember to send you a link to my completed grasshopper scarf with matchin head wrap. I loved the pattern.

Those are lovely needles. I've always wanted to try them but never had a chance. They don't sell them here and they don't send to Israel as far as I know. If I were to win I would love the 4mm, but either would be a blessing.

Hi Monika,Thank you for your generosity. If I win I would love the US8. I came accross your site by accident. I knit mainly scarf to donate and for winter gifts. I just love all your wonderful colored yarns and patterns.Thanks again, Normapinkdragonflyladies@yahoo.com

Who wouldn't want a beautiful pair of knitting needles. US 6 would be perfect!! New to your site and I am having a wonderful time reading past blogs. Your designs are just gorgeous! Thanks for all the beautiful work and sharing of your talent. pat

I was thrilled to see Harmony straights in the latest Knitpicks. I'd been frustrated that they were only available in rounds and double-points. I hate knitting in the round, and I already have a full complement of dp needles. Time to leave out hints about what I'd like for Christmas this year!!

I'd love either size of needles! I have been trying since early summer to just get a KnitPicks CATALOG! They say they mailed (another) one Aug 26, but haven't seen it either. I'm usually so blah about needles---can I get it local and is it the right size and price are my concerns. But sometimes it would be really nice to liven up the tools a bit more than the Boye coloured needles!

I love that mosaic square. I am always amazed at your projects and now I'm wondering what you are up to. The square reminds me of your mosaic blanket,which was so awesome! Those certainly are handsome needles and very unusual looking. You were so lucky to get to try them out :)

Hi MonikaThanks for the give away chance - I will give them to my god daughter who is learning how to knit. Mostly just wanted to say I really like your mosaic swatch - will you make anything out of it?Cheers Rhonda

Needles are so beautiful. I have been procrastinating starting a sweater project thinking I might not be up for it but with a set of needles I would certainly not hesitate to start jsut so I could enjoy them. Size 6 or 8 would work for me ! Thanks for the opportunity !

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About Me

I live in Canada now, but I'm originally from Austria.
My White Shepherd Happy, and Denny the mutt, are my constant companions. Maggie is my sons dog, but she's with me most of the day. I have two grown kids too ;o) by the way.